Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, glass patio door repair door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These quick fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your Patio Door Lock Repair door always function correctly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door frame and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can use a pencil with larger tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by the key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

Measure the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch on it.

You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This information will help you find a replacement that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need It's time to begin the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two bolts or screws that hold it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. After you've completed the steps you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The strike plate and door latch are two components which work together to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This issue is usually simple to fix.

First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door tilt and slide patio door repairs regain its functionality in no time.